Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Searching for a flavorful side or main dish? Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad delivers creamy comfort with every bite. Discover the easy recipe!
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta
- 2 cups Cooked chicken breast diced
- 8 strips Crispy bacon
- 1 cup Ranch dressing
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup Red onion finely diced
- 2 stalks Celery chopped
- ¼ cup Fresh chives chopped
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pasta Foundation
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Don't overthink this part. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Let me tell you something - soggy pasta ruins everything.
Step 2: Prepare Your Protein Elements
- Cook bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces. If using raw chicken, season and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Dice into uniform pieces for even distribution throughout your chicken bacon ranch pasta salad.
Step 3: Chop Your Fresh Components
- Dice vegetables uniformly for professional appearance. Keep tomatoes separate initially to prevent excess moisture from diluting flavors. Sharp knife work makes the difference between amateur and restaurant-quality results.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
- Whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This base should coat ingredients without being too thick or too thin.
Step 5: Combine Everything Strategically
- Add cooled pasta to large bowl first. Pour half the dressing over pasta and toss gently. Add chicken, bacon, cheese, and vegetables. Fold remaining dressing in carefully to avoid breaking delicate ingredients.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Chilling
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The flavors need time to meld properly for optimal chicken bacon ranch pasta salad experience.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):- Calories: 445
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg